Mormonism Unveiled

MOBMONbM UNVEILED;

AIVD ITS EDITOR,

MK. L. B. SUNDERLAND,

EXPOSED:

THE

BY P. P. PRATT,"

fillister of tlie Gospel.

"Shorn thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou m<w*e«,
eh aft -no man make thee ashamed 2"— Job, xf: 3.

5? e -priii ted for Wnu B, PRATT*

PAANESVILLE, OHIO.

1838.

3 *«*****'

»MMM TOmffilSM

"And nil liars, shall have their pari fn Weinke which biirnelh with fire
and brimstone; which is the second death. "—Rev. xxi: S.

"And there shall in nowise enter into it anv thin.? that defilelh, neither
whatsoever worketh abomination, or makelh a lie." — Rev. xxi: 27.

" For wilhont are dogs, and sorceror?, and whoremongers, and murderers,
and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and inaketh a lie."— Rev. xxii: 15.

When llie public are overwhelmed with lying slanders
of every description concerning the Church of the Latter
Day Saints, the inquiry often arises, why do the Eiders
of the Church hold their peace, instead of contradicting the
various falsehoods, which arc published concerning them
and their principles 1 The answer is, it would require a
standing aimy of writers, and printers in constant employ;
for no sooner are our enemies delected in one falsehood,
than a thousand more are put in circulation by them : aud
there are many who love a lie so much more than the truth,
that we are quite willing they should enjoy their strong de.
lusion; because, they believe not the truth, but have pleas-
ure in unrighteousness; and we know, that those who are
seeking for truth, will judge for themselves, by an examina-
tion ot* our books, and not allow our opposeis to judge for
them. What ideas would be formed of the Bible, by one
who had never read the book himself; but who trusted al-
together to the statements of Thomas Paine! and other Infi.
del writers concerning it? We propose in this work, to
prove to every candid mind, that whether our principles be
true or false, Mr. Sunderland is guilty of the most glaring
falsehoods, misrepresentations, and lying slanders, that ev-
er disgraced humanity : and that he has palmed upon his
deludtd readers, such wilful' and barefaced imposition, that
he is justly ranked among dogs, sorcerors, whoremongers,
murderers, and idolaters 5 and no longer fit to fill any placQ

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in civilized society; much less to stand at the head of a pa-
per, under the sacred title of "Ziorfs Watchman" If hia
readers do not dismiss his paper immediately, after coming
to a knowledge of his wickedness, they will be set down as
partakers of his evil deeds; and if they hold him any Ion.
ger in fellowship either as a christian or a member of socie.
ty, the proverb will be fulfilled upon them, "that a man is
known by the company he keeps."

We will now proceed to an examination of "Mormonism,"
as published by him in the "Zion's Watchman. "

First he enquires, "What is Mormonism?" then proposes
to answer, by an appeal to the books ? which they have pub-
lished concerning themselves. First, the Book of Mormon,
published 1836, printed by Grandin. Now, Mr. S., the
book to which you refer, was published, and dated 1830;
making a difference of six years. You say, first, "All
Mormons profess to act under the infallable inspiration of
God j and io have power to work miracles, such as the in-
terpretation of languages they have never learned; heal*
ing the sick, and raising the dead." And you attempt to
prove it by a quotation from the "Voice of Warning," by
P. P. Pratt, pages 118 and 119. Now Mr. Sunderland,
you verily know, that raising the dead, .is not mentioned in
$he "Voice of Warning," in connection with the spiritual
gifts, bestowed upon the members of the Church, Ancient or
Modern. And that, raising the dead, is not included in the
spiritual gifts, mentioned by the Apostle, in his writing to
any of the Churches; neither is raising the dead included
in the signs, which the Saviour promised should follow them
that believe, Mark, c. 16: v. 17, 18; consequently, we must
think, you intended to misrepresent, and that you are pos*
sessed of a lying spirit. It is true, there are a few instances
of raising the dead, mentioned in Scripture, but nowhere in-
cluded among the spiritual gifts enjoyed by the members of
the Church ; and you know too that the " Voice of
Warning" does not argue, that every member should pos-
sess all the gifts, but that the Church should have all the
gifts distributed among them, dividing to them severally as
Christ will, and that God is the author of that principle, and
not Mr, Pratt,

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2d. Says Mi*. Sunderland, "they profess to have inter,
course with the angels of God, and affirm that they frequent-
ly see them, and have messages from God thro' them." —
Very good, Mr. S. this is what the Saints professed in all
ages of the world, in every country, among every nation,
and under every dispensation of God to man, whether Pa-
triarchal, Mosaic, or Christam; and one who does not believe
in such enjoyments, is an infidel, and not a believer of rev-
elation in any shape.

3d. Mr. S. says, "They claim to be the only true Church,
all other churches are of Anti-Christ, and exposed to God's
eternal displeasure." Pray, Mr. Sunderland, how many
churches or doctrines, and religious systems, has the spirit of
truth instituted among men ? How many systems did the
Apostles acknowledge among men ? I reply one, and only
one, and that one, was a system of direct Inspiration, which
put men in possession of the gifts, and power of God.

All others were false religions. How many systems dp
the Latter Day Saints acknowledge to be true? I answer,
only one, and that one is a system, which puts men in pos-
session of the gifts and power of God ; and of course, God
is not well pleased with any other.

Mr. S. further quotes, "The only true and living Church
upon the face of the whole earth," "with which I, the Lord,
am well pleased, speaking unto the Church collectively, and
not individually." Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 1. Now,
Mr. S. why did you stop so short with the word earth, in
this quotation ? Why not finish the sentence, so the idea
might be conveyed, which the author intended ? Does it
not amount to a falsehood, for you to quote half an idea, so
as to leave a wrong impression on the mind of your readers,
and thus delude them? Again, "they soy," says Mr. S.
"that God has sent down from Heaven, a city, called the
New Jerusalem, and located it in the Western boundaries
of Missouri, where he requires all his true followers to go,
under pain of his wrath." Of proof of this, Mr. S. quote?,
Voice of warning, page 197, which reads thus, "America
is a chosen land of the Lord above every other land ; it i.s
the place of New Jerusalem, which shall come down from
God out of Heaven, upon the earth," "when reneuml"—
*1

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Now, Mr. S. why did you omit the words, ichcn renewed,
in your quotation of this page? And why did you lie a-
gain, by converting the word shall into has, in the conclu-
sion you draw from the quotation on this subject ? The one
expresses something future, which will happen upon the
new earth, when time is no longer. The other conveys an
idea of a city, which has already descended, which is per-
fectly ridiculous; and none but* the most abandoned and
hardened of liars, could possibly have so misrepresented an.
other's statement. And again, Mr. S. "where he requires all
his true followers to go,under pain of God's wrath." What
wrath, Mr. S. ? I know of no requirement, in any of our
books,which compels men to go there or any where else,under
pain of any wrath, except the troubles of a temporal nature,
which shall befal the Nations. And, if God has provided
the great West for a refuge, from such wrath, it is no more
than he has done for his saints in former ages. Think of
Noah, Lot and many others, who received revelations, di-
recting them to a temporal refuge, from the calamities which
befel the wicked: and remember, it must be likewise in
the days of the coming of the Son of man. Indeed, our
revelations are backed by the political papers of the East-
ern cities. They give the same advice now which the Lord
gave seven years ago, namely, that those who are in distress
flee to the Wee!-, and even advise that those who are una-
ble to go should be assisted in going.

Mr. S. makes three other quotations from our books on
this subject, which all go {o prove something future, con-
cerning a new Jerusalem, and not at all favoring the lie
which he states concerning a city which has come down.

Pray Mr. S. what delusion is there in moving West, and
building a city, called "Zion." or "New Jerusalem," with a
Temple or Sanctuary in the midst ? when it is an event
which all the Prophets have predicted. But, says Mr. S.
the cruelty of requiring all to go there. But here you are
at war with the 60th chapter of Isaiah, which declares con-
cerninga city of Zionmot only "that nations and kings should
be gathered unto it; but the nation and kingdom which will
not serve thee, shall perish and be utterly wasted.

But agnin, Mr, S. whv did vou break off in the middle of

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the subject, concerning the shedding of blood ! Thus sir,
you are likely to be an instrument, by your lying and de-
ception, to cause our blood to flow, in fulfillment of this rev-
elation. Had you quoted the whole subject, it would have
forbidden us to shed blood, and foretold that our enemies
would shed ours; which has actually been fulfilled ; be the
revelation trueor false.

"They affirm," says Mr. S. that "their books, preaching,
pretended prophecies, and revelations, are Scripture, and of
equal authority with the Bible. " This is another falsehood,
for we lay no stress on pretended prophecies or revela-
tions ; but rely on real ones. Now, I ask, if the word of the
Lord, spoken by the Holy Ghost, is not equal in authority
with the Scriptures? Or, what authority has the Scripture
more than that ? "They pretend," says Mr. S. «<to have
power to give the Holy Ghost to those on whom they lay
their hands for this purpose." What fault can be found
with that ordinance, more than with baptism or any other
duty? seeing it is according to the New Testament pattern.
Which is the best, Mr. S. to do according to the pattern,' or
to cry, Lord, Lord, while we teach for doctrines the com--
mandments of men?

Mr. S. finds fault, because all are condemned, who reject
the message which God has sent us to preach. But, I en-
quire, did God ever send a man to preach the gospel and
baptize ; and then save those who would not obey it ?

Mr. S. remarks, that Mormonism, Mahomedism, tho
French Prophets, the Shakers, Swedenborg, and others,
have a kind of family likenesss, and have equal claims to
divine origin. But wherein are they alike? Says, Mr. S.
they all pretend to receive revelations, prophecies, minis*
tering of angels, &c. Well, Mr. S. you may include all the
Prophets and Apostles, both true and false, which ever
made their appearance among men, and all that ever will •
come, in this family likeness. Paul and Peter are just like
the rest in this respect. All, both true and false, have these
peculiar characteristics, namely, they pretend to prophecies,
visions, revelations, &c; therefore, your rule of judging is
this — beware of false prophets; you shall know them by
their fruits ; all who have visions, prophecies, revelations,

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angels, &c. are false ; and I would add, all whudonothavc
any of them are false of course." And so, between us both,
nothing would be left but atheism. But I like the old rule
best, I mean the rule given by John: "whosoever trans-
gresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not
God." "He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, hath
both the Father and the Son." Now, by tbis rule, I reject
Mahomet, first, because he had no testimony but his own;
and secondly, because his doctrines agree not with the Law
and the Testimony. I reject the French Prophets, for the
same reason, as to doctrine ; and because their predictions
were unscriptural, and did not come to pass.

I reject Ann Lee, first, because God never sent a dispen-
sation by a woman. Second, she forbid to marry. Third,
she pretended Christ had come the second time according to
promise, in her person. Fourth, she denied the resurrection
of the body. Fifth, she laid aside all the ordinances of the
gospel.

I reject Swedenborg, because he mistifies the Scriptures,
and does away the ordinances of the gospel ; and lastly, I
reject Methodism, and other systems, because they do a-
way the power and -gifts of God, and change the or-
dinances of the gospel.

But when I come to Mormonism, it sets in order in their
ancient purity, all the ordinances, gifts and powers, and
thus restores the pure doctrine of Christ. This, Mr. S.
proves in his various quotations, and references to our doc-
trine, ordinances, &c. notwithstanding his endeavors to
throw a shadow of darkness over them.

Mr. Sunderland speaks of the power of imagination over
the nervous system, in regard to the healing of diseases ; &
as many in the city of New York and other places, have
been healed by faith in the name of Jesus, and the laying on
of hands, 1 am pleased that imagination has such power. —
For my part, if I can persuade people to imagine them-
selves well, it answers every purpose necessary to their
bodily comfort, and this power ofimagination has been ma-
ny times manifested in this city of late ; even in the persons
of infants of from three to eight mouths old. But probably,
Mr. S. would call them impostors, who were so interested

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iii Mormonism, that they only pretended to be healed, in
order to palm off a deception.

Mr. S. complains of the Mormonites professing to be in-
spired, and placing themselves on a level with the Apostles;
this, we acknowledge of course, for they were men of Ad-
am's fallen race, just like every body else by nature ; and all
they did was by faith in Jesus Christ through the grace of
God given ; and I know of nothing but equality in the
Church of Christ, for one is there Master, and they are all
brethren.

Mr. Sunderland seems to hold forth two kinds of inspira-
tion ; the one he calls Plenary Inspiration. The other is
that by which sinners are convertea\the heart changed, &c.
This last he seems to think is liable to mistakes or errors,
and is not above the light of nature. As to Plenary inspi-
ration, I know of no such term in the Scriptures: and as to
the other kind, it is no where to be found in the Scripture or
any where else, except in the imagination of modem secta-
rians. What? Mr. Sunderland, has it come to this at last,
that you hold forth a kind of inspiration that gives no cer-
tainty, no knowledge, no light above that of nature ? Pray,
what benefit would such inspiratian be to any person ? The
inspiration of the Holy Ghost reveals to those who enjoy it,
the knowledge of the truth. And the Bible knows no other.
And this inspiration is for all the Saints. And indeed no
man can even be a Saint without it. However, we will
suggest a couple of terms which will distinguish Mr. Sun-
derland's two kinds of inspiration more clearly. I would
say, inspiration of the spirit of truth, and inspiration of the
spirit of error, .that the one guides into t all truth, and the
other into all the. divisions of modern sectarians.

"Miracles," says Mr. Sunderland, "are for the proof or
evidence of some particular doctrine, or. in attestation of the
Divine Mission, of some particular, person." Now, hear
what th« Apostle says on this subject, first, Cor. c. 12, and
Eph. c. 4, and other places. He says "gifts were for the
work of the ministry ,* for the perfecting of the saints; for
the edifying of the body of t Christ." Now, if we believe
Paul instead of Mr. Sunderland, we must believe that gifts
and miracles are for a different purpose, from what he

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would represent, and that they were to contiuue as long as
the gospel ministry itself; and ns long as there were Saints,
who were to be perfected or edified. But if they were given
only to establish some parj'cular doctrine or mission; then
the Scripture concerning Jesus should read thus: Jesus did
more mighty miracles in his native place, than any where
else, because of their unbelief. Again, a certain text
should read, God hath given them ears, but they hear not ;
eyes, but they see not ; hearts that understand not, that they
might be converted,& healed,because of unbelief. And again,
faith comes by miracles. And again, without faith it
is possible to please God so as to be healed.

Mr. Sunderland complains of scores of miracles record-
ed in the Book of Mormon, as performed on the most tri-
fling occasions ; but can give but one instance of the k nd,
namely, the Lord showing his finger to the brother of Jared ;
and it was as the finger of a man like unto flesh and blood. "
But, Mr. Sunderland was careful to omit the word as,
in order to make a false and ridiculous statement appear
in the book of Mormon, where there is none. For of course,
the Lord's finger appears as the finger of a man appears, or
man could not be created after His image and likenes3. —
Mr. Sunderland, just remember the fingers of God that the
impious Belshazzar saw writing on the wall.

Mr. Sunderland intimates that the Bible records no in.
-stances of miracles being performed, or revelations given,
except on great and important occasions. Now, in the
first place, we challenge Mr. Sunderland, or any other man
to produce instances where miracles are introduced in the
book of Mormon on any occasion, except for great and inf.
portant ends ; ends worthy the exertion of the power of God.
We challenge any man to produce a single instance in that
bookof an angel's visit without an errand worthy their atten-
tion. And, secondly, we will proceed to notice, a few of the
great and important objects, which called forth angels,revela.
tions and miracles, in the Bible. Exo. c. 33, v. 22 and 28,
"And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by
that I ivill put thee in the cleft of the rock ; and will cover
thee with my hand, while I pass by ; and I will take away
my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts ; but my face

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shall not be seen. 5 ' Now, Mr. Sunderland, what would
you say to this, if it were in the book of Mormon, that the.
Lord put Jared in the cleft of the reck, and placed his hand*
over it to keep Jared from seeing his face, but after he had'
gone past, he took his hand off, and suffered Jared to see his*
back parts? See also, Deut. c. 23, v. 1 and 13, concern-
ing who was to come into the congregation of the Lord,*
and concerning the paddle. Now, Mr. Sunderland, you say
there is a vast, vast difference between the two books in
this respect, I wish you to bring a few parrallel cases fronrf
the Book of Mormon, for an offset against the above sub- n
lime truths.

Also, see Deut, c. 25, v. 9, "then shall his brother's wife
come unto him, in the presence of the elders, and loose his'
shoe from off his foot ; and spit in his face," &c. Verse
10, "and his name shall be called in Israel, the house of
him that had his shoe loosed. " See also, Deut. c. 22. v,
6 and 7, concerning the bird's nest. "But thou shalt in a-
nywise \et the dam go, and lake the young to thee ; that it'
may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy
days." I should like to see something brought forward
from the Book of Mormon, that will compare with the a-
bove examples ; and with the great occasion of the Lord's
turning water into wine, that they might drink a little more,
after they had well drunk. *

Mr. Sunderland says, '* Mr. Smith pretended to be three
years in translating the book." ' This is not so. — The*
plates containing the record, were obtained Sep. 22, A. D.
1827, and appeared in print in March, 1830, making two"
years and a half ; much of which time, was spent in labor-
ing with his Hands for his support and much was spent in :
fleeing from place to place on account of persecution, and
of course much was spent in printing &c. Mr. S. further"
says, "No person' ever saw one of their miracles, but
themselves." How do you know that Mr. Sunderland?
Or, by what authority do you speak? Have you been with" 1
all our elders, in all their travels 3 I have only to say
your assertion is false'; for it is a noted fact, that there are
many in this city, who have been healed, who did not be-
long to the church ; and these things are done publicly, and

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this we are prepared to prove by good witnesses, both in
the church and out of the church. Mr. Sunderland fur-
ther says, that "public monuments must be set up, and some
outward actions also, must be perpetuated in memory of
the miracles thus publicly wrought." Now, I ask, what
monuments or ordinances, are standing proof of the thou-
sands of miracles and gifts, wrought by tbe Apostles and
members of the ancient church % O my soul, has it come
to this at last, that men cannot go to the true and living
God, in the prayer of faith, and learn the truth for them-
selves? but must depend on certain monuments of antiquity
for all the knowledge they have, either of God or religion.
May the Lord pity such a graceless and ungodly genera-
tion. But I acknowledge, that such abominable liars, as
La Roy Sunderland, need something before their eyes to
put them in mind of a God, for I am sure there is no place
for the witness of the spirit of truth in their hearts.

He further says, «•' The existence of the Plates, is not
vouched for by any disinterested person." But in the name
of common sense, I ask who would be a disinterested per-
son? If all Christendom should see the plates, and be con-
vinced of the truth of the record, every person would be
as interested in the same, as those who first witnessed it.
Who ever heard of God's choosing a disinterested witness
of his resurrection, or any other truth? Or, would Mr,
Sunderland have a witness who would say, the thing is true,
but does not concern me, I purpose never to obey it myself \
but go down to hell, for the sake of giving others a disin-
terested testimony of its truth ?

Let christians blush at the ignorant and impotent objec*
tions of the editor of the Zion's Watchman; for I am sat-
isfied that even infidels never advance objections f 60 foolish
and unreasonable !

Concerning Prophesy, he remarks that "it cannot be
proved that one prediction, in that book, which is not taken
from the Bible, was written before the event, said to be de-
scribed." Again he says, " there are no predictions, pecu-
liar to this book, yet to be fulfilled, no names of persons or
places, or periods of time, are referred to, .by which any
thing definite can be known, as to what is meant by the

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jargon of Mormon Prophets." Now, Mr. La Roy Sunder-
land, we will prove to the world, that this is one of the most
barefaced falsehoods, ever uttered by man. The Book of
Mormon contains many Prophecies, yet future, with names,
places and dates, so definite, that a child may understand ;
indeed, it is one of the peculiar characteristics of the Book
of Mormon, that its predictions are plain, simple, definite,
literal, positive, and very express, as to the time of their
fulfilment. Notice a prediction of Nephi, page 125, second
edition. « For after the book, of which 1 have spoken,
shall corne forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and seal-
ed up again unto the Lord ; there shall be many, which
shall believe the words which arc written, and they shall
carry them forth, unto the remnant of our seed, (the In.
dians,) and then shall the remnant of our seed know con-
cerning us ; how that we came out from Jerusalem ; and
that they are the descendants of the Jews; and the gospel
of Jesus Christ, shall be declared among them ; wherefore
they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers ;
and also to the knowledge of Jesus Chrisf, which was had
among their fathers; and then shall they rejoice for they
shall know, that it is a blessing unto them, from the hand of
God. And their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from
their e} r es; and many generations shall not pass away a-
mong them ; save they shall be a white, and delightsome
people. And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are
scattered, also shall begin to believe in Christ ; and they
shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land ; and as
many as shall believe hi Christ, shall also be a delightsome
people ; and it shall come to pass, that the Lord God shall
commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people, to bring about the restoration of his paople up-
on the earth. * * * For the time spee-
dily cometh, that the Lord God shall cause a great division
among the people, and the wicked will he destroy, and he
will spare his people."

Also, page 121, 2d edition. "Behold that great and a-

bominable Church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble

to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof; for the king.

dom of the devil, must shake; and they which belong to it

2

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must neods be stirred up unto repentance, or the dovil wifl
grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred
up to anger, and perish ; for behoL at that day shall lie rage
in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to an-
ger against that which is good."

Also, page 122, 2d edition. **Woe unto all those who
tremble and are angry, because of the truth of God ; for
behold he that is built upon the rock, receiveth it with glad-
ness : and he that is built upon a sandy foundation, trembleth
]est he shall fall.'? Also, page 123, 2d edition. "Woe be
unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts ; for not-
withstandingl shall lengthen out my arm unto them from
day to day, they will deny me," See also page 514, and
read the fate of our nation, and the fate of the Indians of
America, in the day that the Gentiles should reject the full-
ness of the Gospel.— (The Book of Mormon.) See also,
page 526, where a sign is given, and the time clearly sol
for the restoration and gathering of Israel from their long
dispersion, namely, the coming forth of the Book of Mor-
mon, should be the sign ; and in the day this work should
come forth, should this great event commence among all na-
tions. Also, p. 527, where all who will not hearken to the
Book of Mormon, shall be cut off from among the people ;
and that too, in the day it comes forth to the Gentiles and is
rejected by them. And not only does this page set the time
for the overthrow of our government and all other Gentile
governments on the American continent, but the way and
means of this utter destruction are clearly foretold, namely,
the remnant of Jacob will go through among the Gentiles
and tear them in piecesjike alion among the flocks of sheep.
Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all
their enemies shall be cut off. This destruction includes
an utter overthrow, and desolation of all our Cities, Forts,
and Strong Holds— an entire annihilation of our race, ex.
ceptsuch as embrace the Covenant, and are numbered with
Israel.

Now, Mr. Sunderland, you have something definite and
tangible, the time, the manner, the means, the names, the
dates : and I will state as a prophesv, that there will not be
an unbelieving Gentile upon this continent 50 y* ar s henre ;

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and if they are not greatly scourged, and in a great mea-
sure overthrown, within five or ten years from this date,
then the Book of Mormon will have proved itself false.
And furthermore, as Mr. La Roy Sunderland has lied con-
cerning the truth of Heaven, the fullness of the Gospel :
and has blasphemed against the word of God, except he
speedily repent, and acknowledge his lying and wickedness,
and obey the message of eternal truth, which God has sent
for the salvation of his people, God will smite him dumb,
that he can no longer speak great swelling words against the
Lord ; and a trembling shall seize his nerves, that he shall
not be able to write ; and Zion's Watchman shall cease to be
published abroad, and its lies shall no longer deceive the
public ; and he will wander a vagabond on the earth, until
sudden destruction shall overtake him : and if Mr. La Roy
Sunderland enquires, when shall these things be? I reply, it is
nigh thee — even at thy doors; and I say this in the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen.

I hope Mr. Sunderland, will no more complain of the jar-
gon of the Mormon Prophets being unintelligible or indefi-
nite.

Mr. S. says, "admitting the 29th Chapter oflsaiah was' a
prediction of the existence of the Book of Mormon, it does
not predict that, that book would be a good, one." J^ow I
am more, and more astonished at the perfect weakness of
your cause. What! the deaf hear the words of the
book, the meek increase their joy in the Lord, and
the poor rejoice; the house of Jacob be glad in the Holy
One of Israel ; they that err in spirit come to understanding,
and they that-murmur learn doctrine. — And all this brought
about by the means of a Book, and that Book not a good
one 1 You say, *' the text speaks of a book being presented
to a person unable to read it." — Here you mistake again :
the text speaks of the words of a book being delivered to
the learned v; ho could not read them ; but of the Book it-
self being delivered to the unlearned, thus making a dis*
tinction. The words or characters being copied from the
Plates and delivered to the learned who could not read them,
while the Book was delivered to the unlearned ; thus fulfill-
ing the words of the tex(,

( *s )

Mr. S. further says, " the text speaks of a Book — it says
nothing about Brass Plates." But I reply, the text says
nothing about parchment, tables of ctone, papyrus, bark, pa-
per, orany thing else on which this Record was to be written;
consequently, it must not be written on any thing, according
to your logic. But as you are learned, please define what
materials may be written on, in order to constitute a book;&
what materials may not be used; & what name we may give
to a Record on Plates, as they would not constitute a Book.

Mr. S. say?, i( Mormonism is directly opposed to the. Ho-
]y Scriptures. 1st. — The New Testament informs u?, that
if we believe what is written in that book, of the Son of God,
we shall be saved — John, c. xx: v. 31. While the Book
of Mormon says, if we don't believe that also, in addition to
the old and new Testament, we must be eternally damned;
hence Mormonism is a lie." Stop, stop, don't "be so fast ;
John makes no allusion to the New Testament, in The text
you have quoted, but refers to the Bonk he was then writing,
now called the Gospel according to St. John. For the
Book balled the New Testament, did not exist at that time,
neither is it at ail probable that he had any book before him
at the time to. which he alluded, except the testimony, or
gospel, which he was then in the ;ict of finishing; conse-
quently, you will please relinquish all ciaim to faith m any
other book of the New Testament, and set them down for
lies, as you have Mormonism. Because, John wrote his
book that you might believe on the Son of God, and that
believing you might have life through his name; therefore,
according to your own logic, you are bound to reject all
others as lies. 2d. — You say " God Iras imperatively for-
bidden any addition to what is written in the Oid and New
Testaments. Deut. c. iv: v. 2 : and Rev. c. xxii;-v. 18."
Here you are too fast again, Mr. Sunderland. These two
texts say nothing concerning the Oid and New Testaments
at all; the one speaks of Moses* writings only; not at all
including the writings of the Prophets, for they were not
the commands of Moses, and were not in existence when
Moses wrote. And the other speaks exclusively of the
" words of the Prophesy of this book," (the book of the
Revelation of St. John,) which was not then compiled with

( it )

any other book under heaven. ThusJ Mr. Sunderland, in
destroying the Book of Mormon, you destroy every book
in the Bible. By your application of tiie first text, you
destroy every book except John's Gospel ; not excepting
Moses nor the Revelation of St. John. Then by your ap-
plication of the other two texts, you destroy the Gospel of
St. John & all the other books, except Moses & the Revela-
tion of John. Thus if you gain the victory over the Book
of Mormon by these texts, you gain an equal victory over
all the other books. It is not Mormonism alone, that is
struggling for existence beneath your infidel thrusts; but it
is the whole truth of Heaven, which was ever revealed to
man, or ever will be. Indeed your logic would shut heav-
en, seal up the mouth of Jehovah, forbid the ministry of
Angels, deprive men of the Holy Ghost; (the spirit of Pro-
phesy and Revelation,) close all communication between
man and his Maker, and leave the world in Atheism. First,
by destroying the Bible, and all other ancient Records
which are sacred. Secondly, by forbidding mankind ever
to receive any more. Thirdly, you say, *« the Holy Scrip-
tures are sufficient as a rule of our faith and practice," and
you make many quotations to prove it. And you further
say, "the doctrine taught in these passages, Mor monism de-
nies ;" and to establish the accusation, you quote our Doc-
trines and Covenants, Sect. 5th, "in cases of difficulty re-
specting doctrine or principle, when there is not a sufficien-
cy written to make the case clear to the minds of the Couil*
cil ; the President may enquire and obtain the mind of the
Lord by revelation." You make it read thus, "if not suf-
ficiently written," thus giving a false quotation. Now, sir,
you are a false accuser, fcr our doctrine and covenants, in
this text, perfectly agree with the rules of faith and practice
laid down in the "Bible. See James, c. 1, v, 5: " If any
of you lack wisdom, let him ask of god, who giveth io AtL
MENliberally,and upbraideth not,and it shall be given htm."
And again the Apostle prays that God will enrich the disci-
ples " in the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in - the
knowledge of God." Now Mr. Sunderland, wherein
does Mormonism differ from the rules of faith and practice
just quoted from the Bible. And i^ desired; I pledge myself
2*

( t8 )

to produce a thousand precepts and examples of a similar
kind ; all being rules of faith & practice, which we fulfil or
Jive according to, m fulfilling that one rule of our ''Doctrine
& Covenants." Indeed, if the Scriptures were given for our
rule of faith and practice, then are we continually to receive
Revelations, Prophecies, Visions, Angels, &c. ; for this is
according to all the precepts, examples, rules, faith, and
practice of Scripture, and you, sir, in opposing this part of
Mormonism, are in opposition to all the rules which you
yourself have brought forward from Scripture, — Thus, like
Haman, you receive that punishment, which you prepared
for others.

" Christ born of Mary, at Jerusalem, the land of our fore,
fathers." — Book of Mormon, page 240, 2d edition. This
you say, is a contradiction of his being born in Bethlehem,
(a little place, six miles from Jerusalem,) but mark the local
difference in the places where each was spoken* One prophet
stands in the vicinity where the thing was fulfilled, and
points out the exact location, (Bethlehem.) The other
stands on the other side of the Globe, from Jerusalem, and
addresses a people who knew but little concerning the local-*
hies of the various towns and villages of Judea. The
prophet speaks in general terms concerning a thing which
should transpire in the land of Jerusalem, as they had- a.
general idea of the great eapitol city and country, from
whence they sprang, rather than a distinct idea of all its
villages. This is in perfect accordance with all the cir-
cumstances, under which they wrote, and a great proof in
favor of the- Book of Mormon ; because an impostor, in for-
ging a book,, would have said Bethlehem; for every school
boy knows, that.Bethlehemis the place where he. Lord was
born.

And Miv Sunderland, you. say. /'the Book of Mormon
gives numerous instances of persons ordained to the Mosaic
Priesthood, who were -of the tribe oi Joseph," but 1 know of
no Mosaic Priesthood., But if you mean the Aronic, I deny
the assertion, for the Aronic Priesthood is no where ^pre-
tended to in the Book ,of t Mormon. The Josephites claim
the Priesthood after the Qrder of Melchisidek; which had
power over all things^— the Aronic Priesthood not excepted,

( 19 )

for they paid tithes to this greater Priesthood, according to
Paul. This Priesthood was after the power of an endless
life, without beginning of days, or end of life; and holds the
keys and authorities over all the other officers of the Church,
in all ages of the world. The book claims no Ark of the
Covenant, no temple service, as to the Holy of Holies, or
any thing that pertained exclusively to the Aronic or Leviu
ical Priesthood. But says Mr. S., "the Jews were not al-
lowed to offer Burnt Offerings in any other place after the
Temple was built, except Jerusalem. — Deut. c. xii : v. 13,
14. ; The reason of this prohibition was, the holy fire could
be obtained in no other place. — Lev. c. x : v. lJ! r

I have examined both of these texts. The first does not
mention the Temple, but only the place which the Lord
should choose. — See verses 10 II, of the same Chap. When
they dwelt in the land, the oth'er side of Jordan, and had rest
from their enernies,and when they dwelt there in safety,THEN
there should be a place for them to bring their burnt offer,
ings and sacrifices. Then they were to take heed not to
offer sacrifices in every place, but in the place which the
Lord should choose. Now I ask, if Lehi, who left Jerusa-
lem just in time to escape the Babalonish Captivity, or his
children who lived in America, were dwelling in the land
of Canaan, the other side of Jordan, in peace at the same
time they were roaming the wildernesss as outcasts from
the land of their fathers? If so, then the restriction con-
cerning sacrifices, applies to them, if not, it does not apply to
them according to verses 10 and 11, of that chapter. Lev.
c. x : v. 1, says nothing concerning Jerusalem or the fire
obtained there, any more than it does of the flood. And
why it is quoted by Mr. Sunderland on that subject, I am un-
able to guess, unless it was for want of any proof whatev-
er to support the assertion.

I shall now proceed to apply Mr. Sunderland's rule to
Elijah, the Tishbite of the inhabitants of Gilead. 1st
Kings, c* 18 : where he offered sacrifices on Mount Car-
mel, near 40 miles south of Jerusalem; and this in the days
of King Ahab, a long time after the building of the Temple*
of Solomon. Consequently, Elijah must share the same
fate of all ancient "Mormon" Prophets. Neither did he get

( so )

his fire from Jerusalem, but from Heaven. This is a more
aggravating transgression of Mr. Sunderland's rule than the
Book of Mormon any where records: for this was done in
the very country where the Lord had required all to be
performed at Jerusalem. Poor old Elijah, what a pity that
you did not understand the Law as well as Mr. La Roy.
Sunderland, Zion's Watchman; for now ycu are doomed by
him to eternal infamy and destruction with us, poor delu-
ded creatures. And it seems your fathers were equally ig-
norant with yourself, for you only repaired the Altar of God
where they had offered their sacrifices before you
— and all in the wrong place. And as to others of.
fering sariflces, who were not of the Arsonic Priesthood,
I refer the reader to Gideon, of the tribe of Manasseh ;
Judge, c. vi. 25:.v. — Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ; Judge,
c. xiii. v. 16, 19. — Samuel's offering; 1st Sam. v. 7.'
9. — David of the tribe of Judah ; 2d Sam. c. vi : v. 17,
18. — These all offered sacrifices acceptable to God, and that
too, while the Law of Moses was in force, and in a country
where the seed of Aaron and Levi were to be found. Now,
Mr. LaRoy Sunderland, you must be looked upon either as
a knave, or too ignorant to stand at the head of any paper,
much less to be one of "Zion's Watchmen,'' I have dwelt
upon this subject more full, because Mr. A. Campbell, of
Virginia, Editor of the "Millennium Harbinger;" Howe, of
Painesville, Ohio, publisher of "Mormonism Unveiled." —
Himes, of Boston, author of a pamphlet on "Mormonism,"
and Bachelor, with his two horns, cloven foot, and pitch. r
fork, have all raised the same ignorant objections, as to sac
rifices and priesthood. All these profess to be very learn-
ed, and make a great outcry against Joseph Smith, Jun.
and the Mormons in' general, for their "ignorance. Now
how does it come about, that Joseph Smith, and the Elders
of the church (being unlearned and ignorant men,) should
confound and bring to nought, all the widom of the wise?
Surely the Scriptures are verified, that the weak, the un-
learned, and the despised, hath God chosen to confound the
wise, and bring to nought the understanding of the prudent.
Now if this common blunder of theirs, proceeded from ig-
norance', we shall expect to see. a general confession on

( 21 )

their part; but il it be the effects of Priestcraft, Knavery,
and Imposture, they will signify it by their silence.

Next you say, "the Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 2.
contradicts the Bible by saying, "Remission of sins must
precede Baptism." This, sir, I deny; it says that the can-
didate should receive "of the spirit of Christ, unto the re-
mission of sins. You further say, "The Voice of Warn-
ing* P a g Q 22, says the Dreams of Pharaoh were to be lit-
erally interpreted. Thus contradicting what Joseph said
of them." — This, sir is a lie. The "Voice of Warning"
says no such thing, But rather says Joseph's Prophesy
(to Pharaoh) was to be interpreted literally. — See"Voicoof
Warning," page 21 and 22.

As to God's repenting and being grieved at his heart be-
cause he had been so foolish and shortsighted as to make
man, or whether it was Noah that was grieved, I leave the
candid reader to judge. The one is King James* transla-
tion, the other is Joseph Smith's. T suppose if it were writ-
ten in King James' translation of the Bible, that two and
two make twelve, and we should say two and two make
four, we should be accused of contradicting the Bible. Thus
superstition woyld make the King's uninspired Translators
of far more authority than the God of Truth. You further
say, "that G.d informs us that the Gospel Covenant is to
last forever, and never to be succeeded by another :" and
you quote Heb. c. vii : v. 21 28 ; c. viii : v. 6, 13 ; c.
vi : v. 13, 20. Now I say God says no such thing in any
of the texts, as that the Covenant, Offices and Ordinances
of the Gospel, as set in order by the Apostles, would never
be broken among men; but these texts speak of the Cove-
nant and Priesthood of the Son of God, how it should last
forever, and it will be recollected that he is in Heaven. —
He is not a priest to administer ordinances here on earth'.
It is true, Heb. c. viii, from 8th to 13th verse, speaks of a
new Covenant to be made with the house of Israel, which
Covenant should never be broken, and succeeded. by anoth-
er; but this Covenant was to take away their sins, and
cause them all to know the Lord from the least to the
greatest. But this Covenant never took effect in the Apos-
tles' days, nor at any time since, but is yet future as I will

( 22 )

prove by three infallible proofs: first, Romans, c. xi : v. 25
to 31 ; places that Covenant in future, viz ; when God
should take away the sins of Israel, and they should obtain
mercy, after the fullness of the Gentiles should come in. —
Now I enquire* Are the Jews, together with Israel, now
free from sin, and all acquainted with the Lord Jesus
Christ, their Saviour? The answer is my 2d proof, that,
that Covenant is yet future ; the Jews are yet scattered in
unbelief, blindnesss, and sin, among all nations. And Mr*
La Roy Sunderland dare not say, that the Convenant spo-
ken of in the 8th of Heb. and Rom. lllh, has ever been
made with Israel and Judah. My 3d proof is, that this
Covenant will never take effect with them in their scatter-
ed situation, but will take effect with them when they are
gathered home from all nations, to their own land. See Ezek .
c. xxxvii. Hence the folly of Missionary efforts to bring
them to the standards of Sectarianism ; when in fact the
Gentiles will have to bow to them and their standard, to ertd
their own controversies,

Mr. Sunderland having lied, misrepresented and falsified our
Books, and mangled the Scriptures in a most horrid man.
ner, at length cries out, "here is proof positive that these
books can never be reconciled either with themselves or the
Scriptures of Truth." When in fact, it is his own blunders
and falsehoods, which can never be reconciled with any truth.
Mr. S, then proceeds thus, "Mormonism is a system of un-
relenting cruelty. To be convinced of this fact, a person
has only to read the Book of Mormon, which is one contin.
ued history of wars and murders." Pray, Mr. S., is it cru-
el to record a faithful history of wars ? And again, was
the doctrine contained in that book, the cause of the wars
recorded in it ? or were the wars caused by sin and oppo-
sition to the holy principles contained in it? But says Mr.
Sunderland, "Mormonism is cruel ; 1st in requiring Faith
without evidence," and adds, "it is true, eleven men have
said it is true." But Mr/S. it is written in the Law, both
of God and Man, that the testimony of two men is true. —
But you say, "ten thousand others can be found who will
testify that it is not true." Well, Mr. S., there were twelve
lo testily that Jesus had risen from th« r»»^. n*<J as manv

. S3 )

nations to testify lie had not risen. But what does (his neg-
ative amount to, without you first destroy the affirmative?
But it seems, some of these witnesses are guilty of being
named Smith and Whitmer. But this is the first time I ev-
er heard of a witness being rejected on account of his name.
But I see no cruelty in requiring people to believe any
thing, true or false, as long as it leaves them at liberty to
disbelieve it ! " But secondly, "Mormonism is cruel in ta-
king from its votaries their property and refusing to restore
it again.". And then, Mr, S. has heard some literary gen-
tleman say, that he has heard somebody say, that the
Mormons in the West, did so and so. Now, Mr. Sunder-
land, this is proof sufficient against them, although Eleven
Men cannot be believed in their favor. Yes, this is quite
enough, away with such fellows, crucify them ! crucify
them ! It is not fit that they should live. Now Mr. S. we
do not take any man's property from him, only what is free.-
ly donated, in charity to the poor ; and we have officers who
are bound to see the distribution of every dollar for the pur-
pose for which it was given. And I ask, if the Abolition,
Missionary, Bible, Tract, or any charitable institution, gives
back the money- donated to them? For instance, if Mr. Sun-
derland joins the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and
gives a certain sum for Colonizing the poor, and this money
is expended for the purpose given ; the poor eat it up; and
Mr. S. apostatises ; the officer who handled the money, must
go to work and earn the money in order to replace - to Mr.
S. what he gave to the poor, otherwise "it is a system of
unrelenting cruelty. "

Again, Mr. S. says, "its cruelty appears in its requi -
ring its votaries to leave their homes and go to the West-
ern part of Missouri." Now Mr. S. no "Mormon" has
ever gone to that place, except by choice, in order to
escape the troubles which God has forwarned us
of respecting other countries. And Jesus was equal-
ly cruel in telling the disciples to leave Judea, and flee to
the mountains on a certain occasion. I ask, is it -cruel to
take men from the midst of distress, tribulation, want of
employment, starvation, and oppression, and Colonize them
where Xhere is land and employment enough, with provis.

( 24- )

ions in abundance, and very cheap ?! ! But, says Mr. S.,
"its monstrous cruelty appears again, in its pretending to
send all to hell who do not believe it. But I reply, that
every dispensation that God ever sent, is equally cruel in
this respect; for God sends all to hell who reject any thing
that he sends to save those that- believe. And I add, if
Methodism be true, God will send every man to hell who
rejects it. And a man must be very inconsistent, to come
with a message from God, and then, tell the people' that
they can be saved just .as \ve!l without, as with it. But he
complains of its consigning to hell, all who persist in ^the
doctrine of Infant Baptisml " But pray, Mr. Sunderland, is
Infant Baptism any part of the pure Gospel which Paul
preached 1 If not, it is a perversion of the Gospel: and- Paul
has been so cruel as to agree with Mormon in pronouncing
a curse upon all those who pervert the Gospel. Says Mr.
Sunderland, "the writings of the Mormonitcs, are replete
with nonsense and blasphemy,"^ He then gives J several
specimens: first, it is impious blasphemy to teach that th&
Lord suffered for the sins of the world, and bled at every
pore; and that sinners must repent, or suffer for their own
sins, as he has suffered for them. 'And indeed, (says he)
"it would be difficult to find o^'e passage in anyof their wri-
tings, that we have seen, which conveys any thing xiee
good sense." Then follows another specimen. Our Doc-
trine and Covenants, say God is the light of the Sun, Moon
and Stars, and the power by which they are made, and that
God is in them. This seems to be nonsense and blasphemy
when found in Mormon writings. Bu: lei the r Bible say,
he is in all things; that he is the light of every man that
comes into the world, or let a Methodist Priest say that
God is Omni'cient, and Omnipresent, "i. e. that he is in the
Sun, Moon and Stars, and every where else, and it then be.
comes good sense, and a pious saying. Now, let the reader
mark, that it is writing these things in a Mormon book, that
makes "nonsense and blasphemy" of them. Under the
head of nonsense and blasphemy, he quotes the following
from the "Doctrine and Covenants." "Through the re-
demption which is made for you, is brought to pass the Res-
urrection of the dead, and the spirit and the body, is the soul of

( 25 )

Man, and the Resurrection from the dead, is the redemption
of the soul.

This "nonsense and blasphemy," becomes good sense
the moment it is found in the other Scriptures. Instance, in
Gen. where God formed Man of the dust of the earth, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man be-
came a living soul. Here, the earthly part animated by
the Spirit of Life, is called Man, and is also a living soul.
Now, this is the "nonsense and blasphemy," in "Mormon-
ism," but in the Bible it becomes sublime truth. Or has
the Ignoramus never read the Bible? But another speci-
men of Mormon nonsense and blasphemy is quoted by him.
"And the Saints shall be filled with gloiy, and be equal
with Him," (Christ.) — "Doctrine and Covenants." This
nonsense and blasphemy, becomes truth when found in the
Bible. As to this equality of Christ and his people, see the
prayer of Christ, recorded by John, concerning his saints,
becoming one with him and the Father, as ihey are one™
and certainly they are equal. And again, the saints are
joint heirs with Him. And again, "he that overcometh,
shall sit down with Christ in his Throne, as he has over,
come and sit down with the Father in his Throne." And
again, the spirit should guide his saints into all truth, and
if it does guide his saints into all truth, God is in possession
of all trutli, and no more; consequently, his saints will hnoxo
what he knows-, and it is an acknowledged principle, that
"knowledge is power :" consequently, if they have the same
knowledge that God has, they toill have the same power. —
And this will fulfil the Scripture which saith, "Unto him
that believeth all things a-re possible. And I am sure
God can do no more than all things; consequently, there
must be equality. That is, the redeemed to return to the
fountain, and become 'part of the great a//, from which they
emanated. Hence the propriety of calling them "Gods,
even the sons of God." In fact it was the doctrine of equal-
ity, that constituted blasphemy in the minds of the Jews, and
brought down their malice and vengeance upon the head of
our dear Saviour.

The next specimen of ''nonsense arid blasphemy," is
quoted ky Mr. Sunderland from "Doctrine and Cove-

( 26 )

nants," Sec. 7th. It is a clause from a Revelation, rebu-
king the Church for ihe idleness of some of its members,
and the wickedness of their children, together with their
covetousness and neglect of prayer and devotion. But this
is the first time,, that speaking against such evils amounted
to "nonsense or blasphemy." Indeed, 1 now understand
why he uttered that sweeping declaration, that it would be
difficult to find one passage of good sense in all of our
books; it is because they are taken up mostly, in speaking
against sin, which amounts, in his mind, to nonsense and
blasphemy, therefore, our books are filled with "nonsense
and blasphemy," because they are filled with warnings a-
gainst sin ; and because they hold forth repentance and re-
demption, through the blood of Christ, the resurrection of
the dead, and a fullness of glory at the right hand of our
blessed Redeemer.

Another specimen from the Book of "Doctrine and Cov-
enants," Sec 27,^,is brought forward by this lying deceiv-
er, but he could not make nonsense of it without altering it
for the worse in three places. "Let my servant, Sidney
Gilbert plant himself in the house (the revelation reads,
"in this place," instead of house,) and establish a Store
that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain
money to buy lands for the good -of the Saints.' 7 This pro-
vision for colonizing the poor has become "nonsense and
blasphemy." — Although the Lord could once send Peter to
catch a fish in order to get a little money to pay tax-
es without blaspheming : but perhaps Mr. S. would say, that
was in the days of humility and simplicity, when he was
poor, and had not where to lay his head, but since he had
got in possession of so many fine Temples, Chapels, Livings,
Honors, Titles, Salaries, <f'c , his mind could not stoop to
hear the cries of the poor. But he quotes still further:
"Let my servant, W. W. Phelps, be planted in theholtse^
(the Revelation reads, "m this place," instead of the
house,) and let him be established as a Printer to the
Church, and let all the world receive his writings. 7 ' Surely
this would be nonsense; for all the world cannot read — all
the world have not conveyances by mail, and all the world
includes naore than three thousand languages and dialects;

( 29 )

come oul open infidel, for surely gouhaye as good reason
to condemn the Former Day Saints, as the Latter Day
Saints, in this respect unless you worship a changeable
God: who condescend to speak in old times ; but has now
become dumb, from misdemeanor or through old age ! For
shame, why worship a God who has no ears, mouth nor
eyes, whose arm is shortened that he cannot save, and
has no power to deliver ! It is true, I am not in the habit
of ridiculing, but really, if Isaiah or Elijah were here, they
would hold you in derision, and your God too. And I am
sure, the living God would laugh at as well as mock
both you and your God. It seems at last, I have discov-
ered what Mr. S. means by our revelations being blasphe-
my. Whoever will read the first article of religion in the
doctrines and "discipline" of the Methodist Episcopal
Church will find a description of their God : a God without
body or parts, of course then he has neither eyes, ear3, or
mouth, and can neither see hear, nor speak. Well now,
Mr. Sunderland, we acknowledge that all ibe revelations
we have ever received from Israel's God, was direct bias*
phemy against you. But let it be understood distinctly,
that we do not love, serve, nor fear your God ; and if he
has been blasphemed, let him speak and plead his own
cause : but this he cannot do, seeing he has no mouth. —
And how he ever revealed his choice of La Roy Sunder-
land, as a 'Watchman' for his Zion, I am at a loss to de-
termine. But we worship a God, who has both body and
parts; who has eyes, mouth ears, and who speaks when
he pleases — to whom he pleases, and sends them where
he pleases. And he always did blaspheme other Gods,
and hold them up to ridicule and] contempt ; and so did
his followers: and as Mr. Sunderland is unacquaint-
ed with our God, and has been worshipping an imag-
inary God all his days, I take this opportunity of de*
daring the true God to him ; and I hope if ever he is
brought to a knowledge of Him, he will become a man
of truth; for our God is a God of truth.

Mr. S. quotes numerous typographical errors in the Book
of Mormon, many of which are corrected in the second e-
dition ; but he takes advantage of these errors of Ian-

( «« )

guage, by saying the Book was printed under Infallible
Inspiration. By this we are to understand that Mr. Gran-
din, a Job Printer, at Palmyra; a man who makes no pre-
tensions to religion, is inspired to set his type all just right.
This is too ridiculous to come from a man of common
sense ; and deserves no reply, only a remark, that Mr.
S, ? s skull must be rather thick, or he is partially deranged-
Mr. S. proceeds to quote numerous phrases from the
Book of Mormon, which are found in the other Scriptures,
and thinks it strange and incredible, that God who is the
Author of both, should have made use of the same phrases
in bolh countries. Or that he knew some truths a little too
early. He seems to think, that all who can believe that the
Spirit of God is acquainted with modern phrases, or phra-
ses which his spirit selected, and made use of in another
country or ages, must be prepared to believe any thing,
however shocking or absurd. - He seems to think, the
Spirit of God, in America has been guilty of literary theft,
in imitatingjts own likenesses manifested in other writings,^
in other ages &countries. He siys,'a very large proportion of
this Book, (the Book of Mormon, )is made up of base,and bun-
gling attempts to imitate the Scripture style ; and to quote
oni? of a hundred of these attempts, we should have to
transcribe several hundred pages." Astonishing ! ! ! - —
The Book of Mormon, according to this statement would
consist of at least twenty thousand pages. Surely this
would compare with the mammoth. One would suppose
of a truth, as he has said, it would take three years to write
and print a book so large. But this statement is about as
near the truth as he is in the habit of speaking.

CONTRADICTIONS.
Under this head, Mr. Sunderland says "in the Book of
Mormon, page 149, and throughout the Book, the Plates
on which it is said to have been engraved, were Brass.
But the eight witnesses say they had the appearance of
Gold." This is Mr. S.'s blunder, and not a contradic-
tion in the Book. The Plates on which the Book of' Mor-
mon was written, are nowhere called Brass, but the Plates
brought from Jerusalem to America, containing the wri-

( Si )

tings of Moses and the Jewish Prophets are called Brass *,
and the distinction is kept so plain throughout the whole
Record, that a blunder or mistake on this point, on the part
of Mr. S- is inexcusable. And from his general proceed-
ings in this matter, we feel justified in calling it a lie. Mr.
S. also says, "it speaks of a Compass, five or six hundred
years before Christ.' 7 But he does not tell us the fact, as
the Book does, in relation to the invention of this Compass*
The Book says itjwas prepared by the hand of the Lord; but
perhaps Mr. S. thinks the Lord could not have^ invented a
Compass in that early age of the Arts and Sciences : but
some scientific men profess to trace the knowledge of the
Compass back to very early ages. Indeed, , some show
reasons for believing it »vas invented in Egypt, in the days
of her glory — but be this as it may, our God is just as good
at mechanical inventions, architecture/tayloring, smithing,
stone working, <fec. &c. as at any other business. For
proof of this, we refer the reader to the Tables of Stone,
not only written on by the finger of God, but the first ta-
bles were made by him. — Also, the plans of the Taberna-
cle, Temple, Aaron's Garments, &c. ; as well as the wor-
kers in Gold and Silver, &c., were all inspired of God, ac-
cording to Moses.

' Again, he says, " on page 440, it is said the Sun does
not move at all,"" — This is another lie. It only speaks of
the principle of lengthening out the day, and gives us to un-
derstand that the earth rolls back on its Axes, to cause this
phenomena, instead of the Sun moving for this purpose:
He further savs, page 431, ten years before Christ/ a writer
pretends to quote the following passage: "they that have don©
good shall have everlasting life; 4 and they that have evil
shall have everlasting damnation :" but he adds, "no such
Scripture was written at that time." I reply, no such
Scripture is now written, except in the Nephite Records, of
which the Book of Mormon is not one hundredth part,
and Sunderland knows not what was written among them j
therefore, he cannot judge ;' he knows not but the Scrip,
tures referred to, was written. 40 times over, in some of
their former Records : therefore, he has made a presump.
tuous assertion. - *

( 33 )

He quotes, Book of Mormon, page 65 : " Adam fell
that man might have joy." This does not read so, but
says, " Men are, that they might havo joy." But I am
tired of noticing his lies. He says, " The Voice of Warn-
ing, page 37, says, the Nile now has Seven Mouths/' But
the "Voice of Warning," page 37, says no such thing,
not even naming the Nile, its streams or mouihs. Mr. S
proceeds to reject the 1 1 th Chapter of Isaiah, because
from the construction of the Lion's Jaws. — He cannot
chew the cud like an ox. Now, Mr. Sunderland, you be-
gin to come out like a man ; you no longer act under the
cloak of religion, you have turned Infidel at last, and can-
not believe the Bible one whit sooner than the " Book of
Mormon." And the "Book of Mormon" says, if we be-
lieve one we will believe the other. But he pleads an ex-
cuse for his unbelief, by saying the passage referred to
cannot be taken literally. Pray, Mr. S. permit mc to sug-
gest a rule of interpretation, that will just suit your views
of this passage. That little n — o— t, which the tempter
made use of. in his quoting Scripture to Eve, then it would
read thus: "The Lion shall n — o — t eat straw like the
ox." You further say, "according to the representation
on page 540 of the Book of Mormon, there was an insect
called in the reformed Egyptian language, a Honey Bee."
This is another falsehood ; the original language, there
calls it "Deseret," which is by interpretation, a Honey
Bee. Again, you find fault with page 542, for' speaking
of windows so long before the invention of glass. But
here you at war with the Bible,* which mentions windows
as early as Noah's Ark, and the flood. You complain of
a certain book being written among the Josephites, in the
language of their Fathers, (Hebrew,) and yet the book pro-
fesses to be reformed Egyptian. Well, what contradic-
tion in all this ? The Brass Plates brought from Jerusa-
lem were in Hebrew ; and the abridgement that Mormon
made fnow called the "Book of Mormon,"] was written
in the " Reformed Egyptian." But you say, " the Refor-
med Egyptian was never spoken by any person.'/ But
how do know what was done in America ! The writers in
the "Book of Mormon" say it was called among them,

( m )

¥ Reformed Egyptian," being handed down and altered by
them, according to their manner of speech.

One would certainly judge you to be acquainted in an-
cient America, when you make an assertion like the fore-
going. But again ; you say, "let any 'Mormonite' pro-
duce a specimen of such a language if he can." This I a-
gree to do, when you produce a man acquainted with all
the ancient languages. Again, you say, "a hero in the
Book of Mormon, page 529, is made to say, that his ten
thousand warriors, whom he was leading into battle, were
killed. But in the very next page he is represented as
leading them in the front of battle again, after they, were
hewn down." I say boldly, this is a gross m is re presenter
tion : and now, let the public read the two pages, and judge
for themselves.

Again ; you say the "Book of Mormon," page 48 men-
tions the Mariners' Compass. I say it does not mention
the Mariners' Compass ; but a Compass prepared by the
hand of God, as you may read particularly in the " Book
of Mormon-"

Mr. S. says; "The Book of Mormon purports to have
been originally engraven on Brass Plates." Now, Mr. La
Roy Sunderland, why do you he again ? Why continue
to add lie to lie, to make the "Book of Mormon" appear
false? The "Book of Mormon nowhere purports to have
originally, been engraven on 4t Brass Plates :" [I am more,
and more ashamed of the living lie ; whose falsehoods I am
unveiling;] the Book says "Gold Plates."

But you say, "Now, admitting there were as many plates
as there are pages in the Book; and that each plate weigh-
ed not less than one pound each ; these plates must
have weighed not less than five hundred and fifty pounds."
Here we see another mark of a confused and shattered
brain. Why ! JSir. S., there is only one half as many
leaves in a book as there are pages, for one leaf makes two
pages ; as you may learn by examining Mr. Webster's
Spelling Book. Besides, a thin gold plate, about 7 by 8
inches, and about the thickness of tin, would not weigh a
pobnd : and you should know that the "Egyptian" is a
much shorter language than tr»* English. You say, "prpb-

.( 34 )

ably Smith knew very well that the traditions of the Na-
tives would not countenance the " Book of Mormon." In
answer to this, I will quote a few of their Traditions.

First, says Mr. Boudinot, '* It is said among their princi-
pal or beloved men, that they have it handed down - from
ancestors, that the Book which the white people have, was
once theirs ; that while they had it they prospered exceed-
ingly, &c. They also say, that their fathers were possessed
of an extraordinary Divine Spirit, by which they foretold
future events, and controlled the common course of Na-
ture ; and this they transmitted to their offspring, on condi-
tion of their obeying the sacred laws ; that they did by
these means, bring down showers of blessings upon their
beloved people ; but that this power for a long time past
had entirely ceased. 5 ' Colonel James Smith, in his journal,
while a prisoner among the Natives, says, "They have a
tradition, that in the beginming of this Continent, the an-
gels, or Heavenly Inhabitants, as they call them, frequent-
ly visited the people, and talked with their forefathers, and
gave directions how to pray,"

■Mr. Boudinot, in his able work, remarks concerning theiHan-
gOage: "Their language in its roots, idiom, and particular con-
struction, appears to have the ichole genius of the Hebrew, and
what is very remarkable, and well worthy of serious attention,
has most of the peculiarities of the- language;, especially those
in which it diners from most other languages." There is a tra-
dition related by an aged Tndian, of the Stockbridge Tribe, that
their fathers were once in possession of a "Sacred Book," which
was handed down from generation to generation; and at last
hid in the Earth, since which time they had been under the feet
of their enemies. But these Oracles were to be restored to them
again; and then they would triumph over their enemies, and re-
gain their ancient country, together with their rights and priv-
ileges. Mr. Boudinot, after recording many traditions similar
to the above, at length remarks; "Can any man read this short
account of Indian Traditions, drawn from Tribes of various Na-
tions; from the West to the East, and from the South to the
North, wholly separated from each other, written by different
authors of the best character, both for knowledge and integrity,
possessing the best means of information, at various and distant
times, without any possible communication with each other;
apd yet suppose, that all this is the effect of chance, accident, or

( 35 )

design, from a love of the marvellous., or a premeditated inten-
tion of deceiving, and thereby ruining their well established rep-
utation? Can any ons carefully, and with deep reflection, con-
sider and compare these traditions with the Ten Tribes of Israel,
without at least, drawing some presumptive inferences in favor
of these wandering Natives being descended from the Ten
Tribes of Israel ? "

Mr. S. says, "In the Book of Mormon, page 550, a man is
spoken of who was the Father of 32 children!" I reply, this
was almost half as many as Ahab had sons. — 2d Kings, c. x: v.
6; where his 70 sons are mentioned, and no doubt he had some
daughters. But this Bible statement can be spiritualized and so
avoid the marvellous.

But, says Mr. S., "it speaks of 'Church' five or six hundred
years before Christ." I reply, the Bible speaks of " Church "
as early as Moses. But, says he, "this Book speaks of the
Paradise of God, 500 years before Christ;" but I ask, (if there
was no such place till invented by modern Priests,) where did
Adam dwell, when first created? and did the Saviour add a new
term, as well as idea, to the Hebrew, when he told the Thief on
the Cross concerning Paradise?

Mr. S. says, "the Jews never kept any of their records on
Plates or Brass." But I inquire, how* does he know? In fact,
he seems to be perfectly acquainted with every thing that ever
transpired in every age and country. Pray, Mr. S. who are »
you? "This Book," says Mr. S., "countenances murder for
opinions* sake; it also countenances deception and theft; page 12
and 13." I say it does not countenance murder for opinions'
sake; the circumstances recorded on these pages, was the slay-
ing of Laban, who had robbed them, and sought their lives. —
Therefore, this is another lie, Mr. S. And as to deception and
theft, it was taking a record from a robber, who had robbed them
of an immense property. But Mr. S., why not condemn the
Bible? look at Moses slaying the Egyptian, and concealing him
in the sand, and running away to escape justice. Look at the >
Israelites, borrowing of the Egyptians and not paying them. —
Look at Jacob's deception of his Father, Isaac; and his decep-
tion of his Father-in-law, with the pealed rods. And at Rachael,
stealing the Images; and of Samuel slaying Agag; and at Da-
vid's deception, feigning himself crazy, by letting his spittle run
down on his beard. And when you have looked at all these, you
shall have as many more.— But yet, in your estimation, the Bi-
ble is unerring truth, and the "Book of Mormon," a deception.
Oh! what an impartial judge

Yon say. "ic speaks of the Lamb of God; and of the Gospel of

( 36 )

the Lamb; the Apostles of the Lamb; the Holy Ghost; the Mo-
ther of God, or Priestcraft; of the Crucifixion of Christ, and his
Baptism by John; of the Roman Catholic Church; and of immer-
sion: — long before the advent of Messiah.'' I reply, it does
not use the term ,: Roman Catholic." nor "Christians," nor "im-
mersion/' in the place to which you refer; and only speaks of the
other events, as some thing future, shown to Nephi in a Vision,
and made known to him by an Angel* and if this is a mark of
"fraud," then it is a mark of fraud for Christ to be as a Lamb,
slain from the foundation of the World: or for God to have
foreknowledge; or for Isa to speak to the Mother of God — "Be-
hold, a Virgin shall conceive." You say, "on page 236, Christ
is represented as the grandson of God, he is called 'The Son of
the only begotten of the father'." Here, Mr. S., you have ta-
ken advantage of a Typographical error; the word 0/ being in-
serted where it should not, and is corrected in the second edi-
tion. Are you so foolish as to think, this was really the senti-
ment of any people? No: you know better. — It was through
malice, you did it. You say the Book admits, that men are lia-
ble to mistakes; so it does, and you admit it too; why then take
advantage of men's mistakes? But you say; on page 538, we
arc commanded, to give thanks to God, that he hath made mani-
fest its imperfections. This, sir, i3 not so. But Moroni ex-
horts, rather than commands , that we would give thanks unto
God, that he had made manifest his (not its,) imperfections and
the imperfections of those who had written before him, that we
might learn to be more wise than that which they had been. —
Now, if you take advantage of such humble acknowledgements,
then why not take advantage of David's imperfections, so clear-
ly made manifest iu the Psalms, and in his history? Why not
take advantage of all wise and good men? for they have all been'
guilty of some imperfections. And I highly esteem those who
are most willing to acknowledge- their own, and to forgive those
of others, when they are acknowledged in an humble manner:
and God loves them too. Yes, Mr. Sunderland, I could take
even you, by the hand, and forgive you of your lies, mistakes,
blunders, and hard speeches, if you would humbly acknowl-
edge them, and repent: and I am sure God would forgive you
too. Your Seventh Number of "Mormonism," is not worthy of
any reply, being made up of all manner of evil spoken against
us falsely, because of the word of our testimony: and this too,
taken from a book falsely called "Mormonisra Unveiled:" — a
work got up not only by a most determined enemy, but by one,
whose character is so disgusting to every decent, respectable
person who knows him, that the Book never had any weight at

( 3* P

fcH in the West, where it was published. However, I will gath-
er much from your last number in favor of "Mormonism." —
The Saviour says, "blessed are you when men shall revile you,
and cast you out of their company, and say all manner of evil
•against you falsely, for Christ's sake; rejoice ye inthathour,
and be exceeding glad; for so persecuted their Fathers, the
Prophets, which were before you." Now we will see how
much it falls short of all manner of evil,

Fortune telling, money digging, juggling, wicked, cheat, liar,
profane, intemperate, quarrelsome, not good character, gold bi-
ble company, indolent, lying, notoriously bad, wife whipper, des-
titute of moral character, visionary, addicted to vicious habit's;
and add to this catalogue, the ridiculous stories that went the
rounds of the religious papers concerning the "Angel Caught;"
and the walking on the water story; and the murder story; to-
gether with "Adultery," and the love tale of Mr. 'Smith's steal-
ing his wife; and then the all things common; together with
doing'away with matrimony; and then the Treason against Gov-
ernment; the stirring up of the Slaves against their Masters;
the- instigating, of the Indians to war and bloodshed; together
with .driving the inhabitants of Jackson County, Missouri, from
their houses* and lands, and the taking possession of them by
force. — And if it does not amount to .all manner of evil, then the
imagination* of the Priests, and the Devil combined, is not fer-
tile enough to fulfil the prediction of the Saviour, for 1 am sure
they have tortured their thinking powers.— Perhaps they might
have added Jhe story* of eating their own children; and of their
having hairy throats, and but one eye, and that in the middle of
their foreheads, &c; as was said concerning the Waldenses, in
the North of France; and of the Primitive Christians. But,
however, we are willing to give bur enemies the Priests, and
others, together with his Satanic Majesty; great credit, for in-
ventive and fertile imaginations, as well as for great credulity';
more especially when we remember that, "Mormonism Unveil-
ed," which is now credited by religious editors m this city, was
got up by one D. P. Huiburt, (who was cut' off from our society
for Adultery/ and" afterwards put under bonds for threatening
the. life of Brother Smith.) who was assisted by one Deacon
Clapp, who, by the by, became so familiar with Huiburt' s wife,
that he had some hundred dollars to pay; besides endangering
his DeaconsJiip, f . - \- ,

'However, Huiburt being so notorious a character, it was
thought best, (even after he had advertised in the papers, that
he was about to publish "Mormc-nism Unveiled^") to change
authors, and publish under the ' name *of Howe, (a printer, in

( 38 )

PainesviUe, Ohio,) whose mind had been somewhat chafed, be-
cause his own wife and sister belonged to the church of the
Saints; so Howe became the adopted father of "Mormonism
Unveiled." . ■ /\ \ . ' ■

[,\ But that ridiculous story, '(concerning Solomon Spalding^s
Manuscript Found, converted by Sidney Rigdon, into the ''Book
of Mormon/') published at first as a probability, without a shad-
ow of truth; a lie, which never had any credit among the honest
and intelligent part of community in the West, has at last been
published in the "New York Evangelist," "Zion's Watchman,"
and other religious papers, as an established fact beyond (ke pos-
sibility of a doubt t t Yes r S! Spalding is like to be set down as
the author *of,the "Book of Mormon,''* and S. Rigdon as the im*
postor who palmed S. Spalding's Novel upon the World as a
"Religious Work." And many are as willing to believe this
Jie, as the Jews were, that the deciples had come and stolen the
body of Jesus, in order to palm a deception upon that age. —
Thus they have "strong delusion, that they may believe a lie,
* that they may all.be damned, who believe not the truth, but have
pleasure in unrighteousness/* All this I am willing they should
enjoy, because the Scriptures must be fulfilled. But for the
sdke of the honest in heart, who love the truth, I. here offer my
testimony on this subject; as I was a personal actor In the
scenes which brought S. Rigdon into an acquaintance with the
'/'Book of Mormon," and into' connection with the Church of
Latter.Day Saints. " r

About A; D. .1827, ^Messrs. A. Campbell, W. Scott, and S.
Rigdon /with some others, residing in Virginia, Ohio, kc.came
off from the Baptist, and established a "new order, under the
name of Reformed Baptists, or Disciples; and they were termed
by their enemies, Campbellites, Ri'gdonites, kc. This reforma-
tion, as f^o its Doctrine, consisted principally, of the Baptism of
Repentance^ for Remission of Sins, &c. And Mr. Rigdon, in
particular, held to a literal fulfilment and application of the
written word; and,by this means he was an instrument to turn
many from the false notions of Sectarian Traditions, to an un*
derstanding of the Prophecies, touching the great restoration of
Israel, and the mighty revolutions of the last days. Many hun-
dred disciples were gathered by, his ministry throughout the
Lake Country of Ohio; and many other preachers stood in con-
nection with him in those principles. I was then pursuing an
agricultural life, and mostly occupied in converting the wilder-
ness into a fruitful field; but being a member of the Baptist
Church, and a lover of truth, I became acquainted with Mr. Rig-
don, and a believer in, and a teacher of the same doctrine. Af-

( 39 ),

ier proclaiming those principles in ray own neighborhood and
the adjoining country, Tat length took a journey to the State of
New-York, partly on a visit to Columbia County, N 4 . Y,., my na-
tive place; and partly for the purpose, of ministering' the word/
This journey was undertaken in August, 1830. I had no sooh-v
er reached Ontario Co. N.Y., than I 'came in contact with the
"Book of Mormon," which had then been published about six
months, and had gathered about fifty disciples,. which were all J
that then constituted the Church of the Latter Day Saints. . l[
was greatly prejudiced against the Book;, but remembering the,
caution of Paul, "Prove all things and hold fast that which is
good," I sat down to read it; and after carefully comparing i£
with the other Scriptures, and praying to God, He gave me the
knowledge of its truth, by the power of the .Holy Ghost;, and
what was I, that I should withstand God? I accordingly- obey-i
ed the Ordinaces, and was commissioned by Revelation; and the
laying on of hands to preach the fulness of the Gospel, Then,
after finishing my visit to Columbia Co,, I returned to the breth-
ren in Ontario Co., where for the first time, I saw Mr. Joseph
Smith, Jr,, who had just returned from Pennsylvania, to his fa-
ther's house, in Manchester. About the 15th of October, 1830,
I took my journey, in company with Elder O.Cowdery, and^e-
ter Whitmer, to Ohio. We called 6n Elder S.'Rigdon, and
then for theirs/ time, his eyes beheld the '/Book of Mormon ;" f,
myself, had the happiness to present it to him in person. He
was much surprised, and it was with much persuasion and ar-
gument, that he was prevailed on to read it, and after he had
read it, he had a great struggle of mind, before he fully believed
and embraced it; and when finally convinced of its truth, he cal-.
Jed together a large congregation of his friends, neighbors, and
brethren, and then addressed them very affectionately, for near,
two hours, during which time, both himself and nearly all the
congregation were melted into tears. He asked forgiveness of
every body who might have had occasion to be offended with
any part of his former life; he forgave all who had persecuted or
injured him, in any manner; and the next morning, himself and
wife, were baptised by elder O. Cowdery . I was present/it was
a solemn scene, most of the people were greatly affected: they,
came out of the watejr overwhelmed in tears". Many others
were baptised by us in that vicinity, both before and after his
baptism— insomuch, that during the fall of 1830, arid the follow-
ing winter and spring, the number of disciples were increased to
about 1000; the Holy Ghost was mightily poured out/arid the
word of God grew and multiplied; and many priests obedient to
the Faith. Early in 1831, Mr. Rigdon, having been ofdained.

( 4© )

under our hands, visited elder J. Smith, Jr. in the state of New-
York, for the first time; and from that time forth, rumor began
to circulate, that he (Rigdon) was the author of the Book of
Mormon. The Spaulding story never was dreamed of until
several years afterwards, when it appeared in Mormonism- Un-
veiled, a base forgery, by D. P. Hulburt, and others of similar,
character, who had long strove to account for the Book of Mor^
raoh; in some other way beside the truths In the west, whole
neighborhoods embraced Mormonism, after this fable of the
Spaulding story, had been circulated among them; indeed, we
never conceived it worthy of an answer, until it was converted by
the ignorant and impudent dupes or knaves, in this city, who
stand at the head of certain religious papers, into something said
to.be positive, certain, and not to be disputed! Now I testify,.
that the forgers of the Spaulding lie, (concerning S. Rigdon and.
others,) are of the same description as those who forged the lie
against the disciples of old — accusing them of stealing the body
of Jesus, &c. And those who love this lie, are no bettter. I
mean the editors of the N. Y. Evangelist, Zion f s Watchman,
and all others who are equally guilty, including all who read
and believe such a thing* And except they repent they will
have their part with drunkards, whoremongers, socerers,
thieves, murderers, Slc, for being guilty of loving or making a
lie; and in that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be made
manifest:, then shall they know, that these things and many oth-
ers were base falsehoods, put in circulation by the devil and hist
servants; and that the Book of Mormon, is a record of eternal?
truths which speaks from the dust, as a voice from the dead,,
bearing record of the Gospel of a crucified and risen Redeemer,
reproving the sins of the world, and warning them of the things
which must shortly come to pass; therefore, repent, all ye ends
of the earth, and be baptised for remission of sins, and you shalf
receive the gift ofthelloly Ghost; and signs shall follow those
that believe; and this Gospel of the kingdom shall first be
preached among all Nations, and tlien shall the Son of Man come*
Amen.

METHODISM.— Having unveiled Mormonism, by removing
the covering of lies and misrepresentations, which Mr. Sunder-
land, a Methodist editor, had thrown over, it; we shall now pro-
ceed to a short examination of Methodism, as taken from their
own discipline.

; Ht. A description of the Methodist God, as fbund'in the sec-
ond section of their discipline.

Istly. "There is but one living and true God, everlasting

without body oryarts"

( 4i )

£ndly. In unity of this Godhead, there are three persona of
one substance, power and eternity; the Father, Sod, and Holy
Ghost. -

Srdly. This, "Christ very God, and very Man, who truly
suffered, was crucified, dead and buried.'*

4thly. ,( To reconcile his Father to us," &c.
• Stilly. "Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took
again his body with all things appertaining to the perfection of
man's "nature, wherewith he ascended into Heaven." [i

Gtnly/ "And there silteth until he return, to judge all men-
at Ike last day" •

I must say, that I never saw such a bundle of nonsense, con-
tradiction and absurdity, thrown together before. '

Isf. A God without body or parts consisting of three persons.

2nd. One of these persons, who is very God, was- crucified
dead and buried, (without body or parte!)

'3rd. The object was to reconcile his Father to us, instead of
reconciling us to the Father ; thus conveying the idea that hia
his Father must be changed about, a neiv creature, in order to be
reconciled to poor sinful mortals,~who are unchanged.
~4\h. This God (without body or parts,) arose from the dead,
and took upon kim his body, when he* had none j but to cap the
climax-, he has gone to Heaven, there to remaiu till He comes
to.judge the world at the last day. Thus contradicting the 3rd,
20th and 21st of Acts, where Peter promises that God will send
him again, at the 'times of restitution of all things spoken by the
Prophets ; thi3 restitution will be a long time before the last
day ; see Rev. c. 20th, and Zech. 14th.

Here then is the Methodist God, without either eyes, ears or
mouth. I! 1 , and yet min was created after the image of God;
but this could not apply to the Methodist God, for he has no
image or likeness / The Methodist God, can neither be Jehovah
nor Jesus Christ ; for Jehovah shewed his face to Moses and
seventy elders of Israel, and hisfeet too :.he also wrote with his
own finger on the tablets of stone. Isaiah informs 'us that his
arm 'is not shortened ; that hisea/*i3 not dull of hearing &c.,
and that he will proceed to make bare his crm in the eyes of all
the nations. And Ezek. says, "his fury shall come up in hia
fate,'* and Zech. c. 14, says his/eel, shall stand in that day, up-
on the mount of olives," and they which behold shall say, what
are these wounds in thy hands, and in thy feet* &c. Conse-
quently, Methodism i3 a system of idolatry.

2ndly. THEIR PRIESTHOOD, was' handed down from
the Wesleys, and others, who received* their authority from the
Church of England, or nowhere; and the Church of England re-

( 42 )

ceived their Priesthood from the Church of Rome, or from the
King and Parliament, or nowhere ; and if from the King and
Parliament/ or the Church of Rome, then it was not from Heav-
en but of man. For neither the King, Parliament or Pope, had any
more authority in conferring Priesthood, than I have to confer
the .Sceptre of the Chinese Empire upoi^ the American \ Chief,
Blackhawk. But if they received their Priesthood from the
Church of Rome, (the mother of harlots,) then is the English
Church, a legitimate daughter of the old lady, and Methodism
the grand daughter ; consequently, Methodism is a harlot. But
if, the Methodists, claim Priesthood by revelation I deny the
claim, for their God is not capable of giving a revelation, having
•no mouth ! and their discipline. forbids later revelation than the
Scriptures, and the Scriptures know nothing of Methodist
Prests.

:3rdly.. THEIR ORDINANCES.— 1st. Three kinds of water
baptism, are practiced by them. The Bible knows but one kind ;
see Eph. c. 4.

2nd. They baptise infants, whereas the Gospel requires faith
and repentance before baptism : see Acts, c. 2, and v. £8 ; see
also the Saviour's commission to his Apostles.

3d. They neither lay on hands in the name of Jesus,- to heal
the sick ; nor anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, that
they may be healed ; thus neglecting to fulfil the Saviour's
directions, in the last chapter of Mark. And James' directions
in his writings to the Saints'.

^ 4th. The gifts of the Spirit, as spoken of in 1st Cor. c. 12 r
Eph. c. 4/ and many other places, are denied by them, and to-
tally set aside — for instance, Apostles, Prophets, Miracles,
Healings, Revelations, Visions, Prophesyings, Tongues, Inter-
pretations, &c. ^c.,; therefore, they have a form of Godliness)
enymgthe power 'hji& gifts of God.

4tbly. PRIESTCRAFT, MONEYED PLANS, etc.—
See Methodist Discipline, section 5 : "Every Preacher, who has
charge of a circuit, shall earnestly recommend to every class or
society, in his circuit, to raise a quarterly or annual collection"
"Every Preacher who has the charge of a circuit shall make a
yearly collection ; and if expedient, a quarterly one, in every
congregation.^' ""Men and brethren help ! was there ever a call
like this since you first heard the Gospel sound ?" "A public
(collection shall be made at every annual, and every general con-
ference." 'The annual product of the charter fund." "The prof-
its of the Book-concern." "Every annual conference, has full
liberty to adopt and recommend, such plans and rules, as to
them may appear necessary, the .more effectually to raise sup-

( 43 )

plies'. "It shall be the duty of each annual conference to take
measures from year to year, in every circuit and station, within
its bounds." The foregoing are but a few of the moneyed plans ,
of this vast organization. Their cry is money yearly—money
quarterly — money monthly — money weekly — money 'daily,—
money at conference meetings — money at circuit— -^money in •
congregation — money at class meetings* — money forwissions; in
short it is money when they lay down, and money when they
rise up ; It is money that will keep their hands from hanging
down* and the work of their God from coming to a dead stand.
My readers will perceive that Mr- Sunderland's outcry against
the Mormonite moneyed plan, for the support .of their poor,
comes with a very ill grace. , ; T

Having now proved that Methodism is a system of idolatry-;
a false and perverted Gospel*: a daughter of the great mother of
harlots — having a form of godliness; denying the power, as
well as a system of priestcrait of the deepest dye.

I now call upon every honest Methodist, to come out from
such abominations, and receive the truth 5 for her sins have
reached unto Heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities,
and her judgements slumber not. Amen !

Mr. SUNDERLAND, — Sir: If you wish your readers to come
at the truth ; to read both sides of the question, and judge for
themselves ; you will doubtless publish my answer, to your pa-
pers on Mormonism in -full, in the Ziori's VVatchrnan ; justice,
truth and the common -principles of humanity require it; not
only does justice to an injured, persecuted and inofFensivepeople,
reqeire it — but your readers,who have been deceived and abused
by your falsehoods, slanders and misrepresentations, have claims
on you, as their editor, to undeceive them;; and you will re-
member to, that there is a still higher authority, to which all
men are amenable, and that these things will stare you in the
face, in the day of final retribution, if you repent not. Not only<
is your own welfare at stake, in time and in eternity, but the
<souls of thousands who read your paper, and who have not our
books to compare with y oar Quotations. With these consider-
ations, I hopo to see my answer in your paper, should it not ap-
pear, I shall conclude that you prefer the dark rather than the
light, and that you dare not lay before your readers a statement
of fa-cts, and therefore, shall notice it in my next edition.

I am, respectfully - P.P.PRATT.

Mr. La Roy Sunderland.

t M )

Thcae lines were composed by a gentleman who does not
stand connected with the church of " L. D. Saints/' and were
handed us just as our Pamphlet was going to press, and on ac-
count of the sentiments of- truth, as well as the bold and inde-
pendent spirit which they breath, we are thankful for the oppor-
tunity of publishing them, for the edification of our reader j*.
' , Adieu to honor, wealth and fame \
And every worldly pleasure :
I bid forewell to my good name ;
For to obey my Savior.

I covet not that high esteen>

To which I did aspire ;
My Savior's love, shall be my theure ; "<

I care for nothing higher. '*

Yes, if 1 could advance his r praise, *

By works .of my performing,
Among the Saints of latter days ;

I would be called a '■ Mormon."

Although they commonly are c'all'd

A poor deluded people :
Their prophets, priests, and teachers, all,

Offscourings of the rabble.

And were not all the saints of old * *

Derided, by opposers
Of light, and truth, which did unfold,, /
• From Adam down to Moses I

Yes, all the holy prophets were,'

With Christ, and his Apostles ;
Accounted as these "Mormons" are,

False prophets and impostors.

But truth is strong, and will prevail ;

For it proceeds from Heaven :
It always did, and ever shall ;

By inspiration given.

( 43 )

And when it doth their systems rub,

Proud men become uneasy ;
And call the Master, Belzebub,

And all hia servants crazy.

Thus all, in every age, who live

Godly, in Christ the Savior ;
Such base calumny shall receive,

From those they cannot favor.

Not think as they would have them think ;

Nor do, as they are doing :
And blunder with them, on the brinl;

Of everlasting ruin.

Men still love darkness more than light,

Because their deeds are evil :
And will declare that wrong is right —
Though it were from the devil.

That midnight, the old carnal mind ;

Remains as dark as ever :
And all the blind, that lead the blind,

Fall in the ditch together.

Oh ! how they earnestly contend ;

And still sink in the mire !
Their broken systems cannot mend
'Till purified by fire.

CoLUJisrA^ B.iREh
JVew York, March 24, 1833.